Senegalese immigrants having to travel dangerous waters just to lead a decent life.?

Question

I see a programme on the BBC 24news channel about the journey of an immigrant from the west coast of africa to tenerife on fishing boats. Now, I don't like immigration laws and i'm not politically correct, but how can the worlds leaders still be in charge and still pump millions of pounds into celebrations such as olympic games and wars when old colonial countries still need heavy financing. Immigrants are risking lives to send money home to families with up to 6 kids. WHY CAN'T THE GOVERNMENTS SEE THAT THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM IS THIER IGNORANCE NOT JUST TOWARDS THESE POOR PEOPLE BUT ALSO TOWARDS THE PEOPLE OF THIER OWN COUNTRIES.

Answer 1

Re: the naive words of wise5557 and jessezgl_ claiming that it has nothing to do with the west and they should just help themselves.

I believe the case in point of the Senegalese boaters is due to over fishing of huge Spanish trawlers ruining the fish stocks that had been farmed sustainabley for generations of Senegalese. The idea that any Spanish government could then ban them from fleeing the resulting starvation is horrific.

True, there are many cases where it is the corrupt governments of Africa causing the problems, but this doesn’t mean it is not the West’s responsibly. We have the political power to force these governments to address their starving people, but while Nigeria still has lots of cheap oil, we don’t dare criticise their corruption. Instead we take advantage of the fact that their government is willing to push people of the land when an oil pipe needs to be put in.

The only political pressure we apply is to make sure the developing nations privatise all their public services. Like when the G8 agreed to drop the debt of each country that “conforms” to a democratic and civilised political system, i.e, agrees to sell it’s water, power and central services to European corporations. The corrupt government no longer faces hefty payment, and bam, water rates double and families are cut off.

Believe me, the corruption of African governments does not mean that this isn't largely OUR responsibility.

Answer 2

I think I am about half way in agreement with you. If governments were capable of weeding out corruption and not acting as if the mother in law from hell were coming and needed a grandiose banquet or splendid palace every month or so, then just maybe they could have the time and resources to make things better for the inhabitants.
And governments of better off countries could better oversee what happens to any grants they do give.
As to your caustic answers, I always used to take my kids to talk to those who were down and out so that they could see how fine the line is between having enough and being in poverty; and how easy it is to cross it.
There is no simple solution, but we could all do with taking a step backwards from our greed.

Answer 3

I agree that there will not be rounding up--it's just not going to happen. Here's the one risk for profiling. To "stop" someone someone to investigate a crime, you need to have reasonable suspicion that the person has committed a crime. So, if it's being in the state illegally, the officer has to have some objective fact to support a "stop"--that is, to talk to the suspect. In most cases, an officer that sees someone walking down the street that looks "illegal" there simply will not be any objective fact to support a stop. They will need some credible source--say a bank employee or an apartment manager that received a false SS# from the suspect--to support a stop. The profiling issue might come up if officers try to just have a "conversation" with the suspect that would not rise to the level of a "stop" in a constitutional sense. Officers can come up to you say hi, do you think you are lost--things of that nature--and they can even talk about stuff that might suggest they are investigating a crime. So if officers try to start making "small talk" with clusters of folks who appear "illegal" to try and see if they might make admissions about their immigration status, there might be a profiling problem.

Answer 4

I am going to answer your question in way you will have a second thought regarding on how to help people. When it comes to helping Africans do not point your fingers to their colonial masters because in Africa 90 percent of the rulers are tyrants, they govern in the most brutal and barbaric way.
Take for example Nigeria - a country blessed with everything you can imagine still suffer from basic human needs e.g light,water and food.Do you expect humanitarian to be sending them food when they are capable of helping other African poorer nation?my answer is NO.Trust me if billions of pounds and dollars is send to Africa by Samaritans the money will still end up in the hands of criminals that are prepared to starve their own brothers and sisters,some of them will use the money to amassed weapons e.t.c.
The answer to Africa problem is ''love'' when we begin to realise that we need each other to progress,starting from the top to bottom then we can start seeking help which will definitely come.God said he help those who help themselves - Manner will not fall from heaven.
Once again the problem Africans are facing lies in hands of Africa leaders.If they decide to change Africa will prosper.I pity the common citizen

Answer 5

Why can't they use their brains that God give them equally to the people in industrialized nations. Why do these people always expect a handout so they can continue their self destructive path.
I hate that some people in this world can't help themselves but even the animals know that mother nature weeds out the weak and only the strong can survive.

Answer 6

Or is the fault of the people who are not helping themselves by having SIX kids in the frst place. Most of these are leaving illegally by paying thousands to the boat owners to get across the water and many then make their way across Europe to England. Why dont they do it legally if they feel they have rights to be here and to claim asylum ?????????

Answer 7

Perhaps if they kept it in their trousers more and put as much effort into producing food as babies they might have a better chance of survival.Send them Durex, not handouts.

Answer 8

More that sink the better......